Licensing for educational administrators

Minnesota K-12 principal competencies

1. Leadership
   1. provide purpose and direction for individuals and groups;
   2. shape school culture and values;
   3. facilitate the development of a shared vision for the school;
   4. formulate goals and plan change efforts with staff by setting priorities in the context of community and district priorities and student and staff needs.
2. Information Collection
   1. gather data and facts from a variety of sources about families, students, parents, staff members, administrators and community members;
   2. seek knowledge about policies, rules, laws, precedents or practices;
   3. manage data flow;
   4. classify and organize information for use in decision making and monitoring information.
3. Problem Analysis
   1. identify the elements of a problem situation by analyzing relevant information, frame issues, and identify possible causes;
   2. seek additional needed information and frame and reframe possible solutions;
   3. demonstrate conceptual flexibility;
   4. assist others in forming opinions about problems and issues.
4. Judgment
   1. reach logical conclusions by making quality, timely decisions based on the available information;
   2. demonstrate adaptability;
   3. give priority to significant issues.
5. Organizational Oversight
   1. plan and schedule work so that resources are used appropriately and goals are met;
   2. schedule the flow of activities;
   3. establish procedures to regulate activities;
   4. monitor projects to meet deadlines.
6. Implementation Skills
   A. put programs into action;
   B. facilitate the coordination and collaboration of tasks;
   C. establish project checkpoints and monitor progress;
   D. provide corrections when actual outcomes start to diverge from intended outcomes or when
   new conditions require adaptation;
   E. support those persons responsible for carrying out projects and plans.
7. Delegation of Authority
   1. assign projects, tasks, and responsibilities with delegated authority to accomplish them in a timely and acceptable manner;
   2. utilize subordinates effectively;
   3. follow up on delegated activities.
8. Instruction and Learning Environment
   1. create a school culture for learning;
   2. envision and enable instructional and auxiliary programs for the improvement of teaching and
      learning;
   3. recognize the developmental needs of elementary, secondary and middle level students in order
      to design positive learning experiences;
   4. accommodate differences in cognition and achievement;
   5. mobilize the participation of appropriate people to develop programs and to establish a positive
      learning environment.
9. Curriculum Design
   1. understand major curriculum and design models and interpret school district curricula;
   2. initiate needs analysis and plan and implement with staff a framework for instruction;
   3. align curriculum and outcomes;
   4. monitor social and technological developments as these developments affect curriculum,
      including youth service programs;
   5. solicit input from families, parents, the public, and the business community;
   6. adjust curriculum content as needed and conditions change.
10. Student Guidance and Development
    1. understand and accommodate student growth and development;
    2. provide for student guidance and auxiliary services;
    3. utilize community organizations in responding to family needs;
    4. enlist the participation of people to design and conduct programs for connecting school programs with plans for adult life;
    5. plan for a comprehensive program of student activities.
11. Staff Development
    1. work with faculty and staff to identify professional needs and to plan, organize and facilitate programs that improve faculty and staff effectiveness that are consistent with institutional goals and needs;
    2. supervise individuals and groups;
    3. provide feedback on staff performance and arrange for remedial assistance;
    4. engage faculty and others to plan and participate in recruitment and development activities;
    5. initiate self-development;
    6. ensure the provision of training for all general education, special education, and interagency staff, including administrative, professional, paraprofessional, and support staff, on skills for collaboration, teaming, consulting, and conflict resolution.
12. Measurement and Evaluation
    1. determine what diagnostic information is needed about students, staff, and the school environment;
    2. examine the extent to which outcomes meet defined standards, goals or priorities;
    3. draw inferences for program revisions;
    4. interpret measurements for evaluations;
    5. relate programs to outcomes;
    6. develop equivalent measurements of competence and design accountability mechanisms.
13. Resource Allocation
    1. procure, apportion, monitor, account for, and evaluate fiscal and human materials and time resources to reach outcomes that reflect the needs and goals of the school;
    2. plan and develop the budget process with appropriate staff.
14. Motivation
    1. develop conditions that enhance the staff’s willingness to focus on achieving educational excellence;
    2. plan and encourage participation;
    3. facilitate teamwork and provide intellectual stimulation and support innovation;
    4. recognize and reward effective performance;
    5. provide feedback, coaching, guidance, and needed resources.
15. Sensitivity
    1. understand the concerns of others;
    2. deal tactfully with others;
    3. work with others in stressful situations or in conflict;
    4. manage conflict and obtain feedback;
    5. recognize multicultural differences;
    6. advocate for family and child issues and work with families to develop parent involvement in the education of children.
16. Oral and Nonverbal Communications
    1. make presentations that are clear and easy to understand and clarify and restate questions;
    2. respond, review, and summarize information for groups;
    3. utilize communication aids;
    4. recognize cultural and gender-based norms;
    5. adapt to audiences and make educational issues clear to parents and the public.
17. Written Expression
    1. express ideas clearly in writing;
    2. write appropriately for different audiences such as students, teachers, and parents;
    3. prepare memoranda, letters, reports, and other job-specific documents.
18. Philosophical and Cultural Values
    1. act with an understanding of the role of education in a democratic society in accordance with accepted ethical standards;
    2. recognize philosophical influences in education;
    3. reflect an understanding of American culture including current social and economic issues related to education.
19. Legal and Regulatory Applications
    1. act in accordance with federal and state constitutional provisions, statutory law, and regulatory applications governing education;
    2. work within local rules, procedures, and directives;
    3. recognize standards of care involving civil and criminal liability for negligence, harassment, and intentional torts;
    4. administer contracts and financial accounts;
    5. understand:
       1. state and federal laws governing special education,
       2. alternative instructional designs;
       3. curriculum and behavior modifications;
       4. assessment accommodations;
       5. parent involvement;
       6. labor relations and collective bargaining.
20. Policy and Political Influences
    1. understand schools as political systems;
    2. identify relationships between public policy and education;
    3. recognize policy issues;
    4. examine and affect policies individually and through professional and public groups;
    5. relate policy initiatives to the welfare of students and families;
    6. address ethical issues.
21. Media and Public Relations
    1. develop perceptions about school issues;
    2. interact with internal and external publics;
    3. understand and respond to the news media;
    4. initiate and report news through appropriate channels;
    5. manage school reputations by promoting a positive image;
    6. enlist public participation and support;
    7. recognize and provide for various markets.